An additional 1,280 public schools serve another 766,000 or so students, making South Carolina’s school system the 29th largest of the fifty states.

Although public schools far outnumber private schools, there are many world-class schools of both kinds in South Carolina. 

Private schools in South Carolina have an average of only 11 students per teacher. On the other hand, the average student-to-teacher ratio for public schools in the state is 15:1 — about on par with the national average.

With so many great options for high schools out there, many students and their families find the process of narrowing down all of the possibilities into a carefully-considered, concise list of a handful of top schools to be daunting and stressful. 

On the bright side, if that sounds like you, we are here to help ease the stress.

Here, we have gathered some information about 10 of South Carolina’s best high schools. All of the schools in the following list were chosen from various high school ranking lists published by well-respected publications, such as US News and World Report, Niche, and others. 

Hammond School (Columbia, SC)

The third best private high school in South Carolina, according to Niche, the Hammond School is a small, yet highly esteemed, independent school for students in pre-K through senior year of high school. 

In addition to college preparation, arts integration is one of the school’s main focuses.

The school is strongly committed to upholding the traditional ethical values associated with the Judeo-Christian church. It is important to note, however, that Hammond welcomes students of any and all religions into their school.

Hammond School is home to some of the most robust athletic programs in the state, with an overwhelming 90% majority of students at the middle and upper schools participating in at least one sport. 

On top of that, the school has had the honor of receiving the SCISA President’s Cup Award on two separate occasions.

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia, SC) 

Open to children as young as two up through grade 12, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School is an independent private school located in Columbia, SC. 

The school has a variety of programs, such as Math Buddies, Biology Buddies, and Reading Buddies, that allow younger students and older students to benefit from various collaborative learning activities. 

Through these programs, older students can reap the rewards of teaching and mentoring others, assisting the younger students in the process. 

Through the high degree of interaction between children of different ages, Heathwood Hall creates a unique educational environment that has proven to be quite effective. 

According to Niche, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School is ranked the #2 private high school in South Carolina, as well as the #2 best private K-12 school.

Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston, SC) 

Academic Magnet High School is a public school serving students in grades nine through twelve, located in Charleston, SC. 

According to US News and World Report, Academic Magnet High School is the #2 public high school in the United States. In fact, the publication has ranked AMHS either first or second in the country every year since 2019. 

At AMHS, students are academically challenged in a variety of ways. For one, all students must complete a minimum of four AP courses before graduating from the school. 

Another unique graduation requirement is that all students complete at least 90 hours of community service during their studies. 

Through these requirements, AMHS teaches students not just about academic subjects but also about being responsible citizens of the world.

Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, SC)

A private school with around 1,200 students in kindergarten through senior year, Christ Church Episcopal School is an excellent choice of secondary school. 

In fact, it is ranked #1 in terms of best private high schools in South Carolina, according to a 2023 list published by Niche.

Christ Church Episcopal School is ranked first in the state in terms of best private K-12 schools and best Christian high schools. 

When it comes to preparing students for college, the school ranks fifth out of the 87 private high schools in the state. Looking at academic program offerings in STEM fields, the school is ranked fourth out of the 93 schools considered. 

The student-to-teacher ratio at Christ Church Episcopal School is just 10:1, and 100% of graduates go on to attend a four-year college. 

South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (Hartsville, SC)

Located in Hartsville, SC, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics is a public boarding school serving students in eleventh and twelfth grade. 

Although the school heavily emphasizes STEM education, as indicated by the name, a full range of humanities courses are taught as well.

It is one of the only public residential schools of its kind, offering high-achieving students in the area the opportunity to receive the highest quality education without paying the cost of private school tuition.

According to Niche’s 2023 ranked list of the best public high schools in the state, the South Carolina GSSM is second to none, coming in the #1 spot. The school has a total enrollment of 261 students, with a roughly equal number in each grade. 

D.W. Daniel High School (Central, SC)

A part of the Pickens County School District, D. W. Daniel High School is a well-respected public high school that was founded in 1995. 

Open to students in ninth through twelfth grade, the school serves not only students who live in Central, but also those who reside in neighboring towns Six Mile and Clemson. 

According to Niche, D. W. Daniel is the seventh-best public high school in the state of South Carolina. The school offers a wide range of honors courses in every academic subject taught, as well as a number of AP courses in many different subjects. 

Among those who live in the Central area or surrounding districts, Daniel High School is well-known for its fiercely competitive football team. The team, known as the Daniel Lions, has claimed numerous state championship titles over the years. 

Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg, SC)

A well-respected private school with about 440 students from kindergarten through the twelfth grade, Spartanburg Day School is home to some of the best secondary education that South Carolina has to offer.

It is ranked the #1 private high school in Spartanburg County, coming in #6 of 89 in terms of private schools in the state of South Carolina. The school boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of just 8:1, not to mention a 100% graduation rate. 

On top of that, 100% of students who graduate from Spartanburg Day School attend a four-year college or university, proving that the school is an excellent choice for college preparation.

In fact, Spartanburg also ranks sixth in the state in terms of the best college prep offered at a private school.

Charleston County School of the Arts (Charleston, SC)

Charleston County School of the Arts is a public magnet school that has provided excellent arts-focused education to middle and high school students in the Charleston area since 1995.

The school offers nine different art majors students can choose from at the high school level.

As of the 2021-22 academic year, Charleston County SOA has a total enrollment of 1,086 in sixth through twelfth grade. 

The school is home to a faculty consisting of 75 experienced, compassionate teachers, 77% of whom hold advanced degrees.

Just under 97% of students at Charleston County SOA graduate on time. In other words, for each senior class, only a tiny handful of students are not ultimately awarded degrees at the end of their fourth year of study.

Hilton Head Preparatory School 

Founded in 1986 as the result of the merging of two other schools, Hilton Head Preparatory School is a private K-12 boarding school located near Hilton Head Island. The school is home to a total of about 400 students across all grade levels. 

Hilton Head Preparatory School is the #1 boarding school in South Carolina, according to a  2023 ranked list published by Niche.

Looking at schools in Beaufort County, Hilton Head Prep ranks first in terms of best high schools for STEM, best private high schools, and best college prep at a private high school.

The school places a heavy focus on preparing students for successful college careers by providing them with a safe, supportive academic environment under the guidance of highly highly-qualified teaching faculty. 

As a result of this emphasis, Hilton has established a longstanding reputation for sending their students to top colleges after they graduate.

Spring Hill High School (Chapin, SC)

Spring Hill High School is a public magnet high school located in semi-rural Chapin, SC.

As of the 2020 academic year, the school has a total enrollment of more than 1,100 students, with between 250 and 300 students in each grade. 

Spring Hill HS is ranked sixth in South Carolina in terms of best public high schools, according to US News and World Report. 

What makes Spring Hill High School stand out are the many extracurricular clubs at the school. Activities at the school include extracurriculars as varied as the Guitar Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the multimedia gaming club.

The post The 10 Best High Schools in South Carolina appeared first on collegegazette.com.

There are plenty of great options to choose from, but it is also imperative to consider which schools are a great fit for the particular student in question. 

Beyond academic offerings, students must consider class size, location, extracurricular activities, athletic programs, and the ratio of students to teachers, among other factors. 

You can ask yourself or your student many questions to get a sense of what you are looking for in a high school. 

For example, do you want to attend a private school or a public one? Are you interested in boarding, or would you prefer to live at home? 

To help further guide you through the process of finding your top choices of North Carolina high schools to attend, here, we have gathered some information about ten of the state’s most highly-revered high schools. 

All of the schools in the following list were chosen from various high school ranking lists published by well-respected publications, such as US News and World Report, Niche, and others.

Here are 10 of the best high schools in North Carolina.

Cary Academy (Cary, NC)

According to Niche, Cary Academy is ranked first out of the 154 schools included on their list of the best private high schools in North Carolina.

In addition, the school places first out of 144 for best college preparation offered by any private high school in the state. Among all private high schools in the country, Cary’s college prep offerings rank within the top 50.

Cary Academy boasts a perfect, 100% graduation rate, so attending this prestigious school is essentially a surefire way to ensure success during the high school experience. 

The school also boasts an impressively low student-to-teacher ratio, with around just eight students per teaching faculty member. For comparison, the national average ratio for high schools is about 17:1 — more than double Cary’s.

Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill, NC)

Chapel Hill High School is an excellent public high school that was established in 1916. 

It has been named the #1 public high school in North Carolina’s Orange County, also ranking #1 in terms of best high schools for athletics in the area. 

It is located in close proximity to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a highly respected institution for higher education currently ranking #29 in the United States, according to US News and World Report. 

Historically, it is quite common for Chapel Hill High School students to attend the university after graduating.

With an enrollment of 1,500+ students in grades nine through 12, Chapel Hill High School is a relatively large high school. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1, so students can expect moderately small class sizes. 

Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte, NC)

A coeducational, non-sectarian day school serving students in kindergarten through twelfth grade since 1970, Charlotte Latin School is a prestigious school that is known for offering rigorous academic coursework and world-class college preparation to high schoolers. 

Charlotte Latin School is currently home to around 1,500 students across all grade levels, meaning that there are 100 or so students in each grade.

The Upper School curriculum at Charlotte Latin School focuses heavily on helping students develop strong reading and writing skills, as well as an extensive vocabulary. 

Concepts covered during class time and in academic coursework are reinforced by numerous opportunities to study abroad, a vast array of clubs and extracurriculars, and the school’s extensive arts program.

Charlotte Latin School is home to 11 performing musical ensemble groups. The campus features five different art studios, as well as the state-of-the-art Horne Performing Arts Center.

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham, NC)

A public, residential high school that heavily emphasizes the STEM fields, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is a unique, two-year school open only to students going into their junior year and older. 

NCSSM is known across the US for having some of the best STEM education at the secondary school level. 

According to Niche, NCSSM is not just the #1 public school in the state of North Carolina — it is the best public school out of more than 20,000 in the entire country.

In particular, NCSSM has a reputation for being extraordinarily strong in mathematical modeling competitions.

In addition to the original Durham campus, the School of Science and Mathematics also operates a campus in Morganton, NC. 

The Durham campus is home to about 680 students, while the Morganton branch is much smaller, housing only around 300 students.  

Salem Academy (Winston-Salem, NC)

Located near historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem, Salem Academy is a private boarding and day school for girls that shares a campus with Salem College. 

Established in 1772, Salem Academy is North Carolina’s oldest boarding school, as well as the fourth oldest in the United States.

The school is very small, with the current enrollment being 70 students. 55% of students at the academy are boarding students, while the remaining 45% opt to live at home and attend school as day students.

At Salem Academy, the average class has only nine students. The school also boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1, offering students the chance to benefit from a tight-knit, engaging classroom environment. 

Salem Academy offers 22 different honors courses, plus 7 AP courses. On top of that, students at Salem have the opportunity to earn anywhere from 33 to 60 college credit hours. 

Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh, NC)

Originally located in Historical Pilot Mill, Raleigh Charter High School is an independent public high school that was founded in 1999, relocating to its present location in the Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood of Raleigh in 2011. 

An impressive 98% of students who graduate from Raleigh Charter HS go on to attend college. 

The school has a total enrollment of 560 students in ninth through twelfth grade, with an average of around 19 students in each class.  

Raleigh Charter High School is home to 30 community service programs, offering students an abundance of opportunities to get involved and lend a helping hand.

In addition to service opportunities, Raleigh has more than 70 different student-led clubs, allowing students a wide array of options for exploring their passions, pursuing new hobbies, learning new skills, and making friends with shared interests.

Asheville School (Asheville, NC)

Established in 1900, the Asheville School is a private boarding school with a hundred-plus year-long history of providing a high-quality secondary education to students in ninth through twelfth grade. 

The school is located on a scenic 300-acre patch of land surrounding the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. Due to the school’s ideal location, Asheville has an excellent mountaineering program, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. 

After graduating from the school, a full 100% of Asheville students go on to attend college. In fact, students are regularly into some of the best colleges in the country, like Columbia, Cornell, and Duke, to name a few.

The 62 different courses offered at the Asheville School include 22 honors courses and 16 AP classes.

The Early College at Guilford (Greensboro, NC)

A public magnet high school that was founded in 2002, the Early College at Guilford is one of the most highly revered secondary schools in the United States. The total enrollment is around 200 students. 

According to the 2022 edition of US News and World Report’s annual list of the best high schools in America, the Early College at Guilford is ranked #35 among all high schools in the country. 

There are many reasons that Guilford is so highly rated. 

For one, the school allows students to graduate with two full years worth of college credits — equivalent to an associate degree. This program offers students the opportunity to kickstart the process of getting a degree, saving thousands of dollars and countless hours.

On top of that, Guilford boasts a graduation rate of 100%.

Green Hope High School (Cary, NC)

A part of the Wake County Public School System, Green Hope High School is a large, public secondary school with a total enrollment of over 2,700 students. 

According to Niche, Green Hope is ranked fourth out of 597 in terms of best public high schools in the state of North Carolina.

After just ten years in operation, Green Hope HS was awarded the honorable designation of North Carolina Honor School of Excellence, a title only a tiny handful of schools in the state can claim. The school’s graduation rate for the 2021-22 academic year was an impressive 97.4%.

The school offers a wide array of honors and AP courses, with about half of the students taking at least one AP class at some point before graduating. 

Durham Academy (Durham, NC)

Durham Academy is an esteemed private school serving students in kindergarten through their senior year of high school. It was initially established as the Calvert Method School in 1933, changing to its present-day name in 1959.

According to Niche, Durham Academy is the #1 private K-12 school in North Carolina, ranking within the country’s top 50 private K-12 schools. 

The school boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of just 6:1, offering students the chance to receive ample direct support from teachers and connect with classmates in an intimate learning environment. Enrollment at Durham Academy is just over 1,200 students. 

Durham Academy’s Upper School campus has recently undergone numerous renovations to ensure that its students have access to the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art academic facilities possible.

The post The 10 Best High Schools in North Carolina  appeared first on collegegazette.com.

This places the state tenth in the United States in terms of most public schools, as of the 2020-2021 academic year. 

New Jersey is also home to an additional 1,296 private schools — the eighth most of any state in the country. 

The abundance of high schools in Jersey may come as a surprise, given the fact that the state is the fifth smallest in the country in terms of land size. 

However, the state’s large number of schools can be explained by the state’s relatively large population. 

In fact, New Jersey is ranked 11th in the country in terms of population size, making it the single most densely populated state. As a result, students in the area have a wealth of options to choose from when selecting a high school to attend. 

With so many different options out there, narrowing down the possibilities into a concise, manageable list of top schools can take time and effort. We are here to help ease the stress.

Here, we have gathered some information about 10 of New Jersey’s best high schools. 

All of the schools in the following list were chosen from various high school ranking lists published by well-respected publications, such as US News and World Report, Niche, and others.

Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School (Jersey City, NJ)

Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School is a highly-acclaimed magnet public school. It is a part of the Jersey City Public Schools District.

As of the 2020-21 academic year, McNair HS had a total enrollment of 713 students. With 51 teachers on faculty, the school had a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1. 

According to US News and World Report, Dr. Ronald E. McNair is ranked fifth best in the state of New Jersey among all high schools. 

Looking at high schools within the Hudson County area, McNair is ranked 1st in several regards. In terms of public high schools, these include the best school overall, the best teachers, and the best college prep.  

Princeton International School of Math and Science High (Princeton, NJ)

Commonly known as PRISMS, Princeton International School of Math and Science High is a highly selective, co-educational private school serving students in grades nine through 12. 

Founded in 2013, the school has quickly established itself with an excellent reputation.

According to Niche, PRISMS is the #1 private high school in the state of New Jersey. It is also #1 in the state in terms of boarding high schools. 

PRISMS uses an educational model that blends the most substantial aspects of education theory from China and the US, allowing the school to provide students with a forward-thinking, intercultural education of world-class quality.

Although the school does offer campus housing for all students, those who prefer to live at home are free to attend the school during the academic day.

The Pingry School (Basking Ridge, NJ)

An independent, coeducational day school that prepares students for college, the Pingry School has provided excellent quality education to students in grades K-12 since 1861. 

According to a 2023 ranked list published by Niche, the Pingry School is ranked third best among the 122 private high schools in the state of New Jersey. 

Niche also named the Pingry School as the #1 private K-12 school in the state, showing that Pingry is an exceptionally well-rounded institution with lots to offer students of all ages.

Pingry’s reputation can be credited, in part, to its highly experienced teaching faculty. There are 19 current faculty members who have been at the school for at least 25 years. 

The school is now home to around 1,100 students across all grade levels, with well over 100 students per grade. In the graduating class of 2022, for instance, there were a total of 143 senior students. 

Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies (Edison, NJ)

Located in Edison, NJ, the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies is among the top high schools in the state and the entire nation. 

In fact, according to US News and World Report, Middlesex is ranked #1 in the state of New Jersey and #23 in the United States in terms of best high schools in 2022. 

The academy places a heavy emphasis on career preparation, aiming to provide students with the knowledge they need to succeed in engineering. 

Middlesex is relatively small compared to most other high schools, with only about 40-45 students in each grade. This gives the school a total enrollment of approximately 170 students.

Bergen County Academies (Hackensack, NJ)

A public magnet high school in Hackensack, NJ, Bergen County Academies is a unique educational institution for several reasons. 

For one, Bergen does not charge its students tuition fees for attending the school, despite the highly selective nature of their admissions process as well as the widely-desired, world-class education they are known to offer. 

Second, Bergen takes an unusual approach to secondary education in which students choose one of seven specialized academic programs, each of which is designed to emphasize a different career path.

According to Niche, Bergen County Academies is ranked #1 in New Jersey in terms of best college preparation offered at a public high school. 

High Technology High School (Lincroft, NJ)

High Technology High School is an excellent, engineering-focused career preparation academy serving high school students. 

As the school’s name suggests, High Technology High School strongly focuses on the interconnected nature of the sciences, mathematics, technology, and the humanities, aiming to provide students with a well-rounded STEM education.  

According to Niche, High Technology High School is the #1 public high school in the state. 

Other areas in which High Tech is ranked remarkably well at the state level include second places in the following respects: best teaching faculty among public schools, best college preparation offerings among public high schools, and best STEM offerings among all high schools, both public and private. 

At the national level, High Technology High School is ranked third in terms of best college preparation offered by a public high school.

The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville, NJ)

A private, coeducational, preparatory secondary school serving boarding and day students, the Lawrenceville School is another of New Jersey’s premier high schools.

In fact, according to Niche, in terms of how well private schools prepare their students for college, the Lawrenceville School is #1 in the state. 

Lawrenceville is also the #2 private school in the state overall, coming in second place among the 11 New Jersey boarding high schools considered in the site’s rankings as well.

The school uses an unconventional educational theory called Harkness learning, an innovative approach that replaces the conventional lecture- and memorization-based educational model with a more collaborative, participatory classroom experience. 

Through Harkness learning, Lawrenceville students are prepared to become engaged, knowledgeable members of society and of the workforce. 

Union County Magnet High School (Scotch Plains, NJ)

A part of the Union County Vocational Technical Schools Campus in Scotch Plains, NJ, Union County Magnet High School is a magnet public school serving students in grades 9 through 12. 

Union County Magnet High School is home to a total of 297 students. The relatively modest student student size allows the school to maintain a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1.  

Union County Magnet HS is a highly well-respected secondary school not just in the local Union County area, but also in the state of New Jersey as a whole and the greater New York City area.

Whether looking at magnet high schools or public schools more generally, you will find Union County Magnet High School among the top 10 in the NYC area, coming in third place in the former and ninth in the latter.

Newark Academy (Livingston, NJ)

Located in Essex County, Newark Academy is a private day school serving students in sixth through twelfth grade. 

Established in 1774, the school has more than two centuries of experience providing a world-class education to all its students. 

At Newark Academy, students at the Upper School — meaning those in ninth through twelfth grade — receive numerous fantastic opportunities to take part in unique and enriching academic adventures. 

For example, prior to graduating, all Newark students must complete the immersion experience requirement. 

There are three kinds of immersion experiences: wilderness, cultural/linguistic, and cultural/service, each of which entails an off-campus trip of at least ten days. 

The immersion experience requirement is evidence of the school’s heavy focus on preparing their students for success during college through intensive, sometimes unconventional learning experiences.

Glen Ridge High School (Glen Ridge, NJ)

Also located in Essex Country, Glen Ridge High School is a six-year public middle and high school that is among the finest in the state of New Jersey. 

Among the Glen Ridge Public Schools, Glen Ridge High School is the only secondary school, making it an important educational institution for the local area.

Students at Glen Ridge can join any of the wide range of clubs, athletic teams, and other extracurricular organizations the school offers. Some of the plethora of options include the gardening club, robotics, the math honors society, a student-led literary magazine, and so many others.

According to Public School Review, Glen Ridge is ranked within the top 10% of all schools in New Jersey in terms of reading and math proficiency, as reflected by standardized test scores.

The post The 10 Best High Schools in New Jersey appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Attending the right high school aligned with a student’s interests and goals is essential in ensuring that a student is well-suited to participate in college or be prepared to enter the workforce. 

For students interested in continuing their education after graduating from high school, the chance to earn college credit concurrently with a student’s high school courses is a very attractive proposition offered by many of the best high schools.

Offering Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs and partnerships with local colleges and universities, many of the best schools provide students with multiple pathways for shortening the time it will take to earn their undergraduate degrees. 

As college admissions departments generally place a great deal of weight on the rigor of the courses applicants take at their high schools, college-bound students will jump at the chance to attend the best high school available. 

Enrolling in advanced courses also prepares students to perform well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, further increasing their chances of being accepted into the college or university of their choice. 

The following is a list of ten of Texas’s best high schools available to students. The schools on this list were compiled as they are all ranked highly in major publications about higher education.

The Awty International School (Houston, TX) 

The Awty International School is host to more than 1,700 students who hail from over 50 countries. 

The school offers International Baccalaureate and French Baccalauréat diplomas and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. 

Students at the school are required to take courses to learn a second language and are afforded the opportunity to learn from over 200 teachers from 26 different countries.  

The school’s main campus extends over 26 acres and includes laboratories, music studios, and indoor and outdoor athletic facilities.  

The Awty International School provides a student-to-teacher ratio of 7 to 1, and the average test scores reported by Niche.com are 31 on the ACT and 1380 on the SAT. 

St. Mark’s School of Texas (Dallas, TX)

For students interested in attending a private Christian high school with excellent academic opportunities, St. Mark’s School of Texas is a perfect choice. 

Niche.com places it at the top of its list of the best private high schools in Texas. This all-boys preparatory school offers classes from kindergarten through the 12^th grade and currently has 900+ students enrolled in all grades. 

Students enrolled at the school have the advantage of an 8-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and the opportunity to choose from the 22 AP courses offered by St. Mark’s.  

The school’s Winn Science Center opened in 2019 and provides an excellent facility in which students have access to maker spaces, a planetarium, laboratories, and a greenhouse to facilitate their scientific and engineering education. 

The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) (Dallas, TX) 

U.S. News and World Report ranks The School for the Talented and Gifted number 8 among public high schools in the nation and number 1 among public high schools in Texas. 

TAG currently has 464 students in grades 9 through 12 enrolled, and the school has 26 full-time equivalent teachers for a student-to-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. 

TAG was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 2022 for its excellent work as a Title I magnet school. 

The school has a number of interdisciplinary traditions observed by both the faculty and students, including TAG Forum, TAG-IT, and TREK. 

TAG Forum is a day-long series of speakers, TAG-IT is a two-day course of extracurricular activities both in and out of the classroom, and TREK is a three-day long educational field trip. 

Carnegie Vanguard High School (Houston, TX) 

Carnegie Vanguard was established in 2002 and grew out of the Vanguard program at the Jesse H. Jones Senior High School. 

The school’s core classes are all pre-AP or AP courses, and students must take at least 10 AP courses as a condition for graduation. 

One of the unique traditions at the school is the new student orientation “Fish Camp,” which is an overnight stay hosted by the local YMCA and features a number of outdoor activities. 

The school also maintains a student-run theater company known as the Carnegie Theatre Company that regularly places at the state level in competitions.

Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School (Dallas, TX) 

This all-girls preparatory school was founded in 2004 and is named after the first Mexican-American woman to be elected to the Texas House of Representatives. 

The Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School is the first public school in Texas solely dedicated to educating young women and is also a member of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network. 

As part of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, the school features a STEM-focused curriculum coupled with many Advanced Placement courses. Through its membership in the network, alumnae of the school have the opportunity to form professional ties with other alumnae in the network. 

Greenhill School (Addison, TX) 

Greenhill School in Addison, Texas is a coeducational, independent college preparatory school that serves students in kindergarten through the 12^th grade. The school currently has 1,300+ students enrolled across all grade levels. 

Greenhill’s high school students demonstrate impressive academic accomplishments, with the middle 50% range of composite ACT scores being 30 to 34, and the middle 50% range of SAT total scores being 1295 to 1535. 

The school’s facilities cover 75 acres and include classrooms, athletics facilities, libraries, and the school’s Marshall Family Performing Arts Center. The school’s performing arts center consists of two theaters, a green room, dressing rooms, and a film and video production classroom. 

Notable alumni of the school include successful Texas politicians Beth Van Duyne, a member of the U.S House of Representatives, and Eric Johnson, the 60^th Mayor of Dallas. 

School of Science and Engineering Magnet (SEM) (Dallas, TX) 

Dallas’ Science and Engineering Magnet School offers its 500+ freshmen through senior students excellent opportunities to study STEM subjects through multiple AP and dual-enrollment courses designed to prepare students for success in their college careers. 

This public magnet school is another 2022 National Blue Ribbon School in the Dallas Independent School District. 

U.S. News and World Report ranks the school at number 22 among national public high schools and at number 3 among public high schools in Texas. 

The school offers a unique “SuperLab” class, a combination of AP Physics C and AP Chemistry, and allows students to learn the subjects through an educational approach centered around lab work. Another unique class the school provides is its Advanced Topics of the Theory of Applied Mathematics. 

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (Austin, TX) 

Number 4 on niche.com’s list of the best private high schools is St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, a coeducational boarding school located in Austin, Texas. St. Stephen’s was the first coeducational Episcopal school in the United States and the first integrated boarding school in the southern region of the country. 

The school offers boarding and day school options to students in grades 6 through 12. St. Stephen’s has a current student population of 699, with 34% of these students boarding at the school seven days a week. 

Welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds, 19% of the students boarding at the school are from countries other than the U.S. 

Among the school’s facilities is an observatory, which is opened to the public once every month and serves as a learning tool in the school’s various hands-on science classes. 

Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) (Austin, TX) 

Austin’s public Liberal Arts and Science Academy was created from the merger of the LBJ Science Academy and The Liberal Arts Academy at Johnston High School in 2002. 

The school offers its 1,254 students in grades 9 through 12 a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 as they study in its 30 AP courses and 121 honors courses. 

Ranked number 4 among public high schools in Texas and number 34 among public high schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, the school’s 2022 to 2023 class saw 28 students recognized as National Merit Semi-Finalists and 81 students recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars. 

Among LASA’s rigorous courses are an Amateur Radio class, through which students can earn their own HAM licenses, and the LBJ Fire Academy, which spans two years and certifies students as both firefighters and EMTs. 

The Hockaday School (Dallas, TX)

The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas is a private pre-K through twelfth-grade all-girls school providing both day school and boarding services to its 1,100+ students. 

Hockaday’s class of 2022 produced 16 National Merit Finalists and 17 National Merit Semi-Finalists. Along with nationally recognized scholars, the 2022 class saw 91% of the class score a three or better on Advanced Placement tests. 

In establishing an excellent academic profile, many students at Hockaday participate in courses that combine academics and real-world applications which are coordinated by the school’s Institute for Social Impact. 

The institute was formed in 2018 to further the reach and impact of the school’s engagement with community partners and to utilize hands-on learning approaches to train the leaders of the future. 

The post The 10 Best High Schools in Texas appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Considering this, many students and their families seek the best possible high school to attend in order to be able to demonstrate the level of academic rigor and success that college admissions departments desire. 

High schools offering students the opportunity to take Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses allow them to earn college credit before graduation while simultaneously developing the skills and habits they will need to succeed in their undergraduate programs. 

These rigorous courses of study also prepare students to perform exceedingly well on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.  

We have compiled the following list of 10 of the best high schools in Illinois to assist students and their families as they choose the best school for them. 

These schools were chosen as they are regularly ranked in top publications among the best high schools.

Whether drawn to the low-class sizes, values, and affiliations offered by many private schools or the diverse student bodies and affordability of public schools, students and their families will seek the best educational opportunities afforded to them. 

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago, IL) 

Over 2,000 students enjoy the 8 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio offered by the University of Chicago Laboratory School, ranked number 1 among Niche.com’s list of private high schools in Illinois. 

Closely affiliated with the University of Chicago, the schools offer a range of programs through various partnerships that promote experiential learning in its students. 

Among these programs and partnerships are the Marine Biology Laboratory Partnership and the Internship for Civic Engagement. 

The school’s Corvus Gallery exhibits the artistic works of Lab students while also offering special exhibits and incorporating creative works from alumni and the wider community. 

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan graduated from the Lab schools in 1982 and is just one of the many notable graduates from the schools. 

Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago, IL)

U.S. News and World Report ranks Payton College Preparatory High School as number 1 among public high schools in Illinois and number 5 among public high schools in the nation. Formed in 2000, Payton School currently sees 1,191 students studying within its halls. 

Among the school’s other accolades are its ranking as the best international high school in the country, the Goldman Sachs Foundation Prize in Excellence in International Education, and its 2008 and 2014 National Blue Ribbon Awards. 

The school is the only high school in the world to host a Confucius Institute, which promotes learning about Chinese culture and language and is coordinated and funded by an arm of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. 

Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest, IL) 

Lake Forest Academy is a private boarding and day school ranked number 2 among private high schools in Illinois by niche.com. Over 400 students are currently enrolled at the school, and just under half of the student body boards at the academy. 

International students attending the school hail from 40 countries and territories and enjoy a student-to-teacher ratio of 6 to 1. 

According to data collected by niche.com, students at the academy have an average composite SAT score of 1390 and an average composite ACT score of 30.  

Lake Forest Academy’s membership in the School Year Abroad program provides the opportunity for students accepted into the program to immerse themselves in one of four foreign cultures for a year while continuing their high school education. 

Students accepted into the competitive program have the option to study in Italy, Spain, China, or France. 

Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago, IL)

Over 1,000 students currently attend Chicago’s Northside College Preparatory High School, ranked number 2 among Illinois’ public high schools and number 31 among national public high schools by U.S. News and World Report. 

With a 97% graduation rate, students at the school contribute to an average composite ACT score of 31, and an average composite SAT score of 1380, according to data collected by niche.com. 

Along with the AP and college preparatory courses offered at the school is the N:Vision program, which provides its students with an interdisciplinary curriculum that uses cross-curricular activities, field trips, and community engagement to offer students an enriching and unique educational experience. 

Northside also offers academically advanced seniors who have exhausted the options available within a department and area of interest to propose their own year-long project focused on a particular academic subject or subjects wherein they study the area independently.

Latin School of Chicago (Chicago, IL) 

Formed in 1888 in order to provide a classical education, the Latin School of Chicago now serves 1,000+ students across all grades with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. 

Students at the school gain experiential learning along with their college preparatory education by participating in programs such as the school’s Project Week and a number of global exchange programs operated in partnership with institutions around the world. 

During Project Week, high school students learn outside of the classroom by exploring a topic of interest such as the Civil Rights Movement, arts, technology or literature. Some students choose to do this through participating in community service or traveling. 

Jones College Prep High School (Chicago, IL) 

Ranked number 3 among public high schools in Illinois by the U.S. News and World Report, Jones College Prep High School has also been labeled exemplary by the Illinois State Board of Education Rating. 

For students interested in law or engineering, Jones College Prep High School’s Career and Technical Education programs in pre-law and pre-engineering will provide these students a head start in their careers as they establish basic principles and skills in either discipline before even graduating from high school. 

Those enrolled in the pre-engineering program will develop modeling and design skills before enjoying the opportunity to bring their designs to life. 

Students enrolled in the pre-law program will participate in mock trials while also enjoying the program’s partnerships with the Illinois Supreme Court and the Cook County State’s Attorney. 

North Shore Country Day (Winnetka, IL) 

North Shore Country Day in Winnetka, just outside of Chicago, takes Niche.com’s number 4 spot in its top private high school ranking in Illinois. 

With 200+ students in its upper division, the school offers a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1, and its students average a composite ACT score of 31, and a composite SAT score of 1390. 

The school’s Live+Serve Lab combines maker space and laboratory facilities with North Shore Country Day’s service mission to foster the development of ideas and solutions to problems facing society. 

Service learning at the school is also incorporated into its “interim” programs, wherein students take the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom by participating in projects such as studying metallurgy, learning Chinese and other alphabets, and volunteering with youth.  

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School (Chicago, IL)

Chicago’s Whitney M. Young Magnet High School ranks at number 4 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of public high schools in Illinois and also at number 67 among the same category of high schools in the nation. 

The National Blue Ribbon school offers dual-enrollment, honors, and AP courses to students drawn from all across Chicago. The Academic Decathlon team at the magnet school has seen major success at the state level, coming in second only once in the last 35 years. 

Alumni from the school have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, sports, and science, with particularly notable alumni including former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and astronaut Joan Higginbotham. 

British International School of Chicago, South Loop (Chicago, IL) 

The British International School of Chicago, South Loop is a member of the Nord Anglia Education group of schools and is ranked number 5 among private high schools in Illinois by Niche.com. 

The school has a graduation rate of 100%, an average composite ACT score of 29, and an average composite SAT score of 1330. 

The school participates in both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education program to provide its students with a world-renowned education and preparation for college. 

Additional educational opportunities are provided through the school’s partnerships with institutions such as MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF. 

Students learn from teachers and instructors trained at Juilliard and MIT, while others speak and participate in workshops at the United Nations. 

Lane Technical High School (Chicago, IL) 

At number 5 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of public high schools in Illinois is Lane Technical High School, which also places at number 84 among public high schools in the nation. 

As a college preparatory high school with an emphasis on science, technology, and engineering, Lane Technical High School prepares the innovators of tomorrow for success at every stage of their careers. 

Among the amazing educational opportunities offered at the school are the Alpha Honors STEM Program and the Omega Istoria Humanities program. These programs are invitation-only and provide exceptional learning opportunities to participating students. 

The Alpha program students take rigorous courses integrating STEM education into all core classes. These students have seen national recognition at science fairs, published research papers, and been awarded patents for their inventions. 

The Omega program offers students an interdisciplinary approach to studying English, art, and history through honors and AP courses that seek to understand the world through the human experience.

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For those interested in attending college or university, the right high school can provide invaluable educational opportunities that will serve students well in their post-secondary educational journey. 

Many of these high schools afford students the opportunity to earn college credit through Advanced Placement programs, International Baccalaureate programs, or partnerships with local colleges. 

Many students will jump at the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school in order to shorten the length of time it will take them to earn an undergraduate degree and to minimize the costs associated with their degrees. 

The advanced academic opportunities offered at these schools also provide students excellent preparation for standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT, doing well on which can go a long way toward obtaining admission into elite universities and being awarded scholarships to help offset the cost of their degrees. 

While some students and their families will be drawn to enroll in private schools for the often-smaller class sizes or associations with institutions aligned with their values, others will seek to enroll in public schools to avoid tuition costs and enjoy a diverse student body. 

Below, we have compiled a list of ten of the best high schools in Georgia. 

The schools in this list are selected from a mix of public and private high schools and are drawn from online publications ranking top high schools.

The Westminster Schools (Atlanta, GA) 

Students at The Westminster Schools attend niche.com’s highest-ranked private school in Georgia, where they are taught to be conscientious leaders through a learning community grounded in Christian values. 

Currently, 1,900 students are enrolled at the coeducational, independent day school. 

The Westminster Schools provide an excellent academic environment, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6 to 1, an average composite ACT score of 33, and an average composite SAT score of 1,420, according to data collected by niche.com. 

Students have a range of AP and honors courses available to them, and 100% of the students graduate from the school. 

The school’s JanTerm program is a three-week course wherein students use experiential and interdisciplinary learning to study a topic of interest in particular depth. 

Opportunities provided by the program include international trips, local and regional field trips, and internships.  

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (Lawrenceville, GA) 

Formed in 2007 as a charter school focused on STEM education, the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia and is U.S. News and World Report’s highest-ranked public high school in Georgia. 

The same source also places the school at number 9 among public high schools in the nation. 

1,197 students currently attend the school and enjoy a 16 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students have a range of honors and Advanced Placement courses available to them. 

GSMST provides its students the chance to put their lessons into practice each year through its Work Integrated Learning programs. These programs are offered in partnership with leaders in academia and industry. 

Starting with the ninth-grade Speaker Series and ending with the twelfth-grade Senior Capstone Experience, students at GSMST learn about various careers available to them and gain real-world experience through internship programs. 

Fulton Science Academy Private School (Alpharetta, GA) 

The Fulton Science Academy began offering instruction to high school students in 2016 and has risen over the intervening years to be ranked by Niche.com at number 2 in its 2023 Best Private Schools in Georgia list. 

As a new and rapidly developing school, Fulton is currently constructing additional facilities on its 20-acre campus that will include greenhouses, an observatory, and an auditorium. 

Fulton Science Academy’s students have an average ACT composite score of 32, and an average composite SAT score of 1380, according to data collected by niche.com. 

Students at the high school level choose from either AP or honors courses as they complete the school’s graduation requirements. 

The school dedicates 40 minutes out of every day to preparing students for college. This period sees students given presentations from businesses and colleges, support for AP classes, supplementary instruction, and SAT preparation instruction. 

Columbus High School (Columbus, GA) 

A Georgia Department of Education AP Honor School, Columbus High School was established in 1890 and currently holds U.S. News and World Report’s number 2 spot among public high schools in the state of Georgia. Students in grades 9 through 12 are currently enrolled at the school. 

The school’s liberal arts curriculum offers 31 AP courses, and senior students are required to complete a senior resume project that helps them prepare for the college application process. 

Seniors are also required to log at least 20 hours of community service as part of either an AP Research Project or a Senior Project. 

This requires students to work in an area they have no experience in and log their hours beginning in the summer before their senior years. 

Columbus High School offers students a wide range of extracurricular activities, including robotics, the Model United Nations program, Girls in Engineering, Math, & Science club, and an investment club. 

Atlanta International School (Atlanta, GA) 

The third-highest-ranked private high school in Georgia, according to Niche.com, is the Atlanta International School. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program to its current students, who hail from over 90 countries other than the United States. 

As part of the international focus of its curriculum, students at AIS have traveled to The Hague through participation in the Model United Nations program and to Quebec as part of their French language instruction. 

The school’s Space Program partners with NASA, Stanford, MIT, and others to allow students to apply their learning to projects and experiments in low-earth orbit and on the International Space Station. 

Rising juniors and seniors at AIS are also allowed to participate in summer internships with foreign and domestic institutions over the course of two weeks. 

Davidson Magnet School (Augusta, GA)

The U.S. News and World Report place the Davidson Magnet School in Augusta, Georgia in its 3^rd spot among public high schools in the state. About 450 students in grades 6 through 12 attend the school and take advantage of the 18 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio.  

The fine arts magnet school has been recognized as a National Grammy Signature School and is noted for the work of its choral classes, having been recognized by NPR, among others. 

In addition to demonstrating academic excellence and residing within the school district, students who wish to attend the magnet school must audition in five artistic areas. 

Students study all aspects of the fine arts but may specialize in areas of interest as they advance through the school. 

Along with the focus on fine arts, students take multiple AP and honors courses as part of their preparations for college. 

Pace Academy (Atlanta, GA)

Ranked by Niche.com at number 4 among Georgia’s private high schools, Pace Academy was chartered in 1958.

Offering a student-to-teacher ratio of 9 to 1, it incorporates Judeo-Christian values with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion to prepare globally-minded leaders of tomorrow. 

From data collected by niche.com, students at Pace Academy have average composite ACT scores of 31 and average composite SAT scores of 1360. 

The school offers students either college preparatory or honors tracks, with AP courses present throughout both tracks to facilitate students’ readiness for college. 

The school’s Isdell Center for Global Leadership program seeks to prepare globally-minded leaders through hands-on learning enabled by its partnerships at the local and global levels. 

The program explores an annual global theme through internships, community projects, lecture series, and domestic and foreign study trips. 

Walton High School (Marietta, GA)

Marietta, Georgia’s Walton High School is a four-year comprehensive high school that seeks to provide an excellent education for all students while simultaneously operating a strong college preparatory program through AP courses and dual enrollment options for its students. 

Students at the school contribute to its impressive academic record, with the class of 2021 producing 31 National Merit Finalists. 

Among the school’s special programs are its International Spanish Academy, which is conducted in cooperation with Spain’s Ministry of Education; its STEM Program for students interested in mathematics, engineering, and science; and its Pathway Programs, which prepare students for a variety of careers. 

The Paideia School (Atlanta, GA) 

The Paideia School in Atlanta, Georgia was founded in 1971 as a result of the desire for reforms and alternatives to standard practices that were born out of the cultural changes found throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Niche.com ranks the school at number 5 in its list of top private high schools in Georgia. 

With an average composite ACT score of 31 and an average composite SAT score of 1370, according to data collected by Niche.com, 100% of the school’s graduates go on to attend four-year colleges. 

Setting the school apart from other private schools are the two short terms per year. Students can study subjects outside of normal academic offerings in great depth and intensity while gaining experience through hands-on learning. Among the topics studied are pollinators, astronomy, and primitive living. 

Lambert High School (Suwanee, GA) 

Lambert High School was established in 2009, and U.S News and World Report ranks it at number 5 out of all public high schools in Georgia. 

Along with AP and dual enrollment courses, students at Lambert have the opportunity to participate in the International Baccalaureate program. 

The school’s Career Academy provides students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities designed to prepare them for a range of careers and be competitive in the job marketplace. 

Among the school’s numerous clubs and extracurricular activities are its Junior Classical League, Rocket Competition Club, Musical Passport Club, and Human Rights Campaign. 

Many alumni from the school have seen success in professional or collegiate sports, with alumnus Seth Beer playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks and many others playing football in the NCAA. 

The post The 10 Best High Schools in Georgia appeared first on collegegazette.com.

As children get older, this state encourages them to maintain that sense of childlike wonder while advancing their own skills and interests. 

The spattering of art museums across the state makes it easy for young artists to find inspiration in “The Greats,” while the sweeping nature views are enough to give even the hardest soul the heart of a poet. 

Looking at sights like the Great Falls, it’s no wonder that so many of our nation’s most significant artists and writers once called this state home. 

Without a doubt, Maryland is a beautiful place to grow up, and this is only made more desirable by the ease with which a parent can provide their child a quality education. 

In this article, we have compiled a list 10 of the best high schools in Maryland, as well as a few details about what makes them so great. We selected these schools as they are regularly ranked among the best schools in major publications. Our sources are listed at the end of this article.

Read on to learn more about ten of the best high schools in Maryland!

Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda, Maryland)

As of 2022, US News and World Report have ranked Walt Whitman High School as the number one high school in the state of Maryland. 

Though this ranking is based primarily on the school’s stellar test scores and high graduation rates, this school also has developed a proud reputation for encouraging students to pursue their own leadership potential.

Through the Walt Whitman Leadership Academy for Social Justice, students carry on the dreams of this school’s namesake, finding ways to make this world a better, more equitable place.

During the OneWhitman breakout sessions, students will learn about and discuss topics such as ableism and mental health, allowing them a chance to learn from one another as well as from their instructors. 

Poolesville High School (Poolesville, Maryland)

Not only is Poolesville ranked within the top fifty STEM schools in the country; it also stands proudly as the fifty-eighth best magnet school as well. 

Poolesville High School has enacted its own Independent Studies Program to encourage each student to seize their own education. 

Through this, a student is incentivized to investigate any area of interest, be that science, math, art, or any other area leading to a promising career.

To complete the course, students must fill out a regular journal detailing their findings as they investigate this potential career choice. 

They must also endeavor to get at least fifty hours of “field work” in a related field, whether paid work or volunteering. Depending on the hours, they may also be considered community service hours. 

At the end of the study, students gain valuable public speaking experience by presenting their project to a review committee for potential certification. 

Winston Churchill High (Potomac, Maryland)

A strong commitment to higher education characterizes an education at Winston Churchill High. While here, each student is given the resources they need to get an early start on their hunt for a college education.

Qualifying juniors and seniors can work alongside their teachers to apply for the Jumpstart to College Program. 

Through this school-sponsored activity, students can attend a sampling of classes at Montgomery College, allowing them to both earn valuable college credit and get a taste of what life is like on such a campus. 

These same teachers encourage every possible student to enroll in AP classes and participate in advanced placement classes that have the power to set them ahead. 

On average, ninety percent of all students enrolled in Winston Churchhill High take at least one AP test during their time there, and of those, eighty-two percent successfully pass one to receive college credit. 

Marriotts Ridge High School (Marriotsville, Maryland)

Marriotts Ridge High School takes pride in helping students from the roadmap to their own lives. In many cases, that means giving them the tools to access the most affordable college experience possible. 

The average student leaves this school with an ACT score of 31, well above the national average. Similarly, these same students leave with an average SAT score of around 1350.

It is a good thing that these scores may equate to big college scholarship money because after an education at Marriot’s Ridge High School, students leave with big dreams. 

Many of the upcoming graduates report hoping to attend Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins, or Georgetown, and with the quality they receive from Marriotts Ridge, these dreams are doubtlessly within reach.

This school is dedicated to getting better by the day, with a plan to improve its high graduation rate from 99 to 100 percent success. 

Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville, Maryland)

As one of the top fifty STEM schools in the nation, Thomas S. Whooton has a reputation to maintain. They do so flawlessly through their STARS program.

The STARS program – standing for the Science, Technology, and Research Signature Program – is a four-year program designed to fulfill and stimulate students dedicated to a deeper understanding of science and technology.

During the first two years of this program, underclassmen slowly develop their interests through off-campus activities, field trips, and lectures designed to help them gain an understanding of the world around them. 

All this study culminates in a two-year series of AP courses to be completed during their junior and senior years of high school.

At the end of this experience, students must write up their research and defend their position in an oral presentation before their class and teacher. 

Eastern Technical High School (Baltimore, Maryland)

In current rankings, Eastern Technical High School is considered both the top school in the city of Baltimore and the third-best school in Maryland as a whole. 

Like most top schools, Eastern Technical encourages students to understand the value of college, offering as many advanced placement opportunities as possible. 

On average, over four-fifths of the students on campus take at least one AP exam prior to graduation. 

Unlike many others, however, Eastern Technical also encourages students to investigate their potential careers more through a series of magnet programs. 

At “Teacher Academy,” students pair with teachers all over the school and beyond to shadow their day, assist them with tasks, and learn what the job truly entails. 

In the Construction Technology class, students get the kind of hands-on experience that is difficult to learn on their own safely. 

Whether a student is interested in the culinary arts, law, or a healthcare career, they are bound to find what they are looking for in this unique set of programs. 

River Hill High School (Clarksville, Maryland)

At River Hill High School, the administration does more than simply talk about equality. They put those words into action, teaching their students values that stand to last a lifetime. 

Through the Rainbow Representative, the school receives continuing education in the world of diversity and inclusion. 

School representatives attend quarterly meetings in which they receive the latest information and teaching tips, which they then return to the school to share with the staff.

Likewise, the Gay Straight Alliance– organized and run by the student body– serves as a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community, allowing them a place to socialize, discuss their personal issues, and learn more about the history that led to where the movement is today.

Richard Montgomery High School (Rockville, Maryland)

No matter what the future may bring, the experts at Richard Montgomery High School are ready to help students glide into their futures.

At the College and Career Center, students can access information about everything from standardized test preparation to more detailed information about their chosen career field. 

This center levels the playing field, making sure that even students who may be the first in their families to attend college can do so without fear or stress. 

Likewise, Richard Montgomery High School makes scheduling college visits easy with its online portal. 

Here, students can arrange to visit the college of their choice, explore new opportunities, and better understand the kind of future they may want for themselves. 

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (Hagerstown, Maryland)

As the name would suggest, the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is a magnet school dedicated to helping students explore the world of the arts. The curriculum, however, is far more detailed than most might assume.

In addition to the typical art school offerings– writing, dance, theater– the Barbara Ingram School for the arts also recognizes the value in finding art in all aspects of the progressive, creative world. 

They also offer courses in topics such as cinematography, photography, computer game development, and animation. 

In these classes, young developers can take on their own projects using programs like Blender and Unify while hopeful sound developers create their own game soundtracks. 

3D modelers will gain valuable experience in forming their own characters through a combination of sketch work and computer design. 

By pushing students to the edge of what they can achieve and holding them to the most rigorous standards, this art school has been awarded the place of tenth overall school in the state of Maryland. 

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Bethesda, Maryland)

Named after the two towns it serves, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School takes pride in accepting students as mere children and then graduating them as leaders in their communities.

One such program that helps in this mission is the Lazarus Leadership Fellows Program.

Since its founding in 1997, the Lazarus Fellows have completed a cumulative 71,000 hours of community service, working through a series of unique projects to make the state of Maryland an even brighter place. 

Recently, a group of just fifteen students helped restore a Germantown farm, allowing it to serve as a kind of living museum teaching others about the lives of slaves in pre-Civil War Montgomery County.

Individually, each student in this fellowship is responsible for completing 200 hours of community service over the summer, allowing them to learn the delicate balance between responsibilities– such as schoolwork– and the value of giving back. 

Additional Sources:

• Niche 
• US News and World Report
• School Digger

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As the world continues to face new challenges, Massachusetts handles them with grace and adaptation, changing along with the times rather than resisting. As such, it celebrates its role as a seat of technological innovation. 

Major tech companies such as Google, Amazon, and even Facebook have a place in this state, as to evergrowing biotech companies like Moderna, Boston Scientific, and Biogen.

Why wouldn’t they want to join a culture that already celebrates so many fantastic higher institutions of learning? 

Some of the best universities in the world– including Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University– call this state home.

With all this rising opportunity, it’s no wonder parents everywhere are hopefully considering enrolling their teenagers in a top Massachusetts high school.

To make research easy, we have compiled information on the best high schools in Massachusetts, listed here in no particular order. 

We chose these high schools as they are ranked in major publications. Sources for those schools are listed at the end of the article.

Read on to learn more about ten of the best high schools in Massachusetts!

Boston Latin School (Boston, Massachusetts)

Taking its slice of history, Boston Latin School celebrates the title of the first public school in America. Since 1635, this magnet school has provided the highest possible education level to young people from around the country. 

In addition to being the number one school in the state of Massachusetts, Boston Latin School is ranked twenty-sixth out of thousands of high schools across the nation. It achieves this title through a rigorous dedication to college preparation.

In recent years, 100 percent of students enrolled in Boston Latin School took at least one Advanced Placement Exam; of those, a stunning average of ninety-nine percent passed at least one. 

These are the highest numbers in the state, earning this school the title of the best school for college prep in Massachusetts.

To show the educational value of serving others, this school requires students to complete at least one hundred hours of community service before graduation, and it provides plenty of opportunities to help students reach that goal, including valuable internships. 

Lexington High School (Lexington, Massachusetts)

As one of the top STEM high schools in the nation, the staff encourages every student to take their learning to another level with programs such as the Advancement Via Individual Determination, a thriving college preparatory program.  

Lexington High School may rank among the highest in the state in terms of college readiness, but they care about far more than just numbers. 

Here, they care about building the leadership of their students.

The School Improvement Team is built by students and empowered by a drive to make this school their own. This club functions as more than just “resume filler;” it truly guides the school’s overall direction. 

By writing the annual report to the parents, these students help keep the community and school tightly connected. 

They serve as both advisors and guides to the administration, speaking for the student body as they assist in creating the school’s regular improvement plan.

These students take a huge role in the school’s budget as they decide where and how incentive funds should be invested. 

Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School (Marlborough, Massachusetts)

While enrolled in the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School, students are part of a community that celebrates higher learning.

Events are designed to balance the social needs of the students with the rigor that has helped establish this school as number two in the state of Massachusetts. 

In addition to attending the traditional prom, students also have access to opportunities like “Science Night,” where upperclassmen in the science research program showcase their findings. 

In the past, these projects have included everything from cybersecurity to electromagnetic transmissions. 

To ensure as diverse and even a student body as possible, this school fills empty student spaces through a lottery process, sifting through all available applications at random. 

In doing so, they show a dedication to the equality they hope to teach their students.

Weston High School (Weston, Massachusetts)

Weston High School did not become one of the top 150 stem schools in all of America by accident; it did so through rigorous efforts toward making math and science fun for students of all backgrounds!

Alongside the traditional clubs hosted by most high schools, Weston High School students can also participate in those geared toward furthering their education in an engaging, community-centered way.

As part of the BioBuilder Club, students can work alongside practicing doctors and scientists as they tackle real-world problems. 

In addition to creating stunning projects, they also have the chance to network with leaders in this field and build connections they can carry with them throughout their entire careers. 

In the Cybersecurity Club, students can learn and practice this real-life skill through tutorials in network design, hacking, and cyber defense. 

Whether enrolled in Level Up Tutoring or the Stock Market Club, students have unique access to college-level learning, all within the fun, easy environment of their high school. 

Sturgis Charter Public School (Hyannis, Massachusetts)

Sturgis Charter Public School makes a name for itself through its singular, dedicated mission: to ensure that every student participates in International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. In doing so, they set students up for a promising future in higher education.

So far, this mission has been a doubtless success. Recent years have seen 100 percent of Sturgis students participating in testing, with a staggering average of ninety-six percent passing!

If the idea of attending a school so dedicated to testing seems miserable, think again. By striking a perfect balance between work and play, Stirgus keeps its students happy, a fact easily supported by its ninety-eight percent graduation rate. 

Recently, this school’s approach to learning landed it in the spotlight when they were featured in Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine’s book In Search of Deeper Learning: the quest to remake the American high school. 

Of Sturgis, these authors wrote: “Holding this balance [between work and fun] was what made the school what it was…. More generally, having adults who really cared about their students, who knew when to push and when to support, was critical to the success of all the good schools that we encountered.”

The Bromfield School (Harvard, Massachusetts)

The Bromfield School does more than simply foster a curiosity about learning as a theory. It puts that theory into practice, encouraging students to explore the world around them with an open mind. 

Through the Global Competency Certification Program, students are encouraged to learn new languages, travel, and participate in online programs designed to prepare them to make an impact on our world. 

Though this journey will take them around the world, it all starts on campus, where they begin the first step by signing up for classes to lead the way. 

As they check off items on this list, students can stay busy through involvement with “The Mirror,” the Bromfield School’s elite student newspaper. 

From the Bromfield Astronomy and Rocket Science Club to the Anime club, The Bromfield School has plenty of ways to keep students engaged and stimulated!

Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (Malden, Massachusetts)

Mystic Valley Regional Charter School is dedicated to encouraging each and every student to cross that graduation stage with a college plan already in place. 

In the name of seeing that mission through, they implement a rigorous and exciting college counseling program.

Starting in freshman year, each student takes part in a weekly college counseling class. Here, students learn about different options and how they can take steps each year toward achieving their overall goals. 

As students advance throughout their high school experience, these classes advance alongside them. 

The on-campus college counselor begins working with each student individually, hosting one-on-one meetings to help them decide their best, most realistic course of action. 

With support like this, it is no wonder that Mystic Valley Regional Charter School is ranked among the top ten schools in the state for college readiness!

Dover-Sherborn Regional High School (Dover, Massachusetts)

Dover-Sherborn believes that a well-rounded education prepares students for all aspects of life. 

In the name of teaching values in teamwork and ethics, this school does everything it can to support participation in extracurricular activities and student athletics.

Student-athletes at this renowned school are privy to some of the top facilities in the state. Never having to scramble in a fight for space, the athletics department ensures that each team receives equal treatment, regardless of gender.

The Richard Wakely Gymnasium holds plenty of space for both boy’s and girl’s basketball, while the DS Tennis Courts easily accommodate the JV and varsity teams. 

The Lacross and soccer teams divide territory on the Farm Street Field, as the different seasons make sharing space easy. 

Meanwhile, students all across campus are fine meeting the community service hours they need for any scholarship, as Dover-Sherborn provides dozens of opportunities all over the school and the surrounding community. 

John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science (Roxbury, Massachusetts)

If there is one thing the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science knows, it’s change. 

Since its founding in the 1800s as Mechanic Arts High School, this institution has undergone numerous transformations, advancing each time to become the thriving educational community it is today. 

Today, this school celebrates a place as the fifth-best school in Massachusetts according to test scores and college readiness, with a 100 percent graduation rate. 

In addition to the usual high school diploma, this school offers students the chance to seize their education by taking on additional responsibilities and focusing on their own studies.

Students have the chance to select an “AP Capstone” pathway, where they can plan on enrolling in as many advanced placement courses as possible. 

The computer science pathway places a deepened emphasis on computer courses, while students undergoing the engineering pathway can emerge from high school ready for whatever their college engineering degree may throw at them. 

Westwood High School (Westwood, Massachusetts)

College preparation is about more than academic study. It’s about ensuring that each student leaves with the emotional and physical capabilities to take on all life’s challenges. 

In keeping with the times, Westwood High School balances highly rigorous academic programming with a series of wellness courses designed to help each student meet their social and emotional needs. 

In Wellness I, students learn the kinds of safety skills every young adult should graduate high school. They also participate in healthy, team-building sports. 

Westwood High School lays the ideal foundation, then arms students with the tools they will need to build their own future after graduation. 

The academic excellence at Westwood High School is apparent in its high average SAT score of 1320!

Additional Sources:

• US News and World Report
• Niche 
• School Digger

The post The 10 Best High Schools in Massachusetts appeared first on collegegazette.com.

While sheltered in the borders of this state, young men and women have plenty of opportunities to learn from the world around them. 

As one of the oldest states in the nation, Virginia’s rich history seems to act as its own classroom, teaching its residents through the simple act of living. 

In Colonial Williamsburg, tourists and locals alike can step back in time and experience life as it was during the early days of America’s birth. 

On the weekends, teenagers have plenty of healthy activities to keep them out of trouble: hiking the Shenandoah National Park, exploring Arlington Cemetary, or playing around in Busch Gardens. 

Without a doubt, Virginia holds boundless learning opportunities, and few are better than the rich education to be found in its robust school system. 

Though life with a teenager can be full of ups and downs, in any of these high schools in Virginia, parents can rest assured that their teens are receiving a top-notch education!

After researching all possible aspects of secondary education, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best high schools in Virginia, in no particular order. 

We chose these schools as they have been selected among the best high schools in Virginia by major publications, and the sources for those are at the bottom of the school.

Read on to find out more about any of the best high schools in Virginia. 

Marshall High School (Falls Church, Virginia)

Marshall High School would be nothing without the extraordinary efforts of its world-class faculty. Recently, several of these faculty members received statewide recognition due to their tireless commitment to education in the face of a global pandemic.

One of these, French language teacher Matthew Hanlon, rose above the crowd to be awarded the best secondary teacher in all of “region 2.” What’s more, he moved on to become one of just five finalists to compete for the role of the best secondary teacher in the state! 

Mr. Hanlon is one of many teachers at Marshall High School who promote learning through a process of positive relationship building. By providing the structure students need to succeed and introducing a rigorous curriculum, Mr. Hanlon keeps things fresh and learning fun.

Other nominees in the recent round of awards include Olivia Tate, who was nominated for the best new teacher in the state, and Darrell General, who was nominated for the best custodian. 

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria, Virginia)

Fully funded by the Virginia Department of Education, the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is a four-year, full-day program that offers students the same experiences as a traditional high school as they focus on a vital area of study. 

Currently, this school is ranked as top in the state and has the highest college readiness ranking in the nation! Just as important, they have the highest graduation rate in the entire country. 

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology may be a magnet school, but it provides boundless opportunities far beyond the obvious math and science courses. 

Holding to their belief that the best education is well-rounded, this high school reserves eighth period specifically for clubs, athletic activities, or study hall. In doing so, they allow their students to control their educations, time, and lives better.

During this period, students can participate in any 180 clubs and organizations, all dedicated to teaching students a new skill or encouraging them to follow a new area of study. From the Philosopher’s Club to the JRR Tolkien Fellowship, students have plenty to keep them busy and fulfilled in their education!

James Madison High School (Vienna, Virginia)

While enrolled in Madison High School, students find a home within a high school that truly cares about the art of education. 

A full eighty percent of all students take at least one AP exam during their time on this campus, while an impressive seventy-two percent pass at least one exam. 

This is especially impressive considering that, on average, less than sixty-five percent of all students in the nation who participate in AP exams find such success. 

As part of encouraging students to think of life after high school, Madison High School hosts charity events and guest speakers. 

Most recently, students received a visit from Ted Dintersmith, a renowned author and alumni of this very school. 

Since his own time in these halls, Ted has found success through talking and writing about the high school experience, imagining what school can truly be. With his film crew, he interviewed students and teachers alike, discussing the idea of the ideal high school. 

Langley High School (Mclean, Virginia)

The second school in this list to come from the thriving Fairfax Country School System, Langley High School takes pride in knowing that when its graduates walk across that stage, they are fully prepared for whatever life may throw at them.

In 2020, Langley High School became one of the elite schools awarded by Great Schools with the College Success Award. Given to only a small portion of our nation’s schools, this award signifies that a school has gone above and beyond in its college preparation.

Today, they continue to build on that legacy, as they stand as the third-best college in the state in terms of college readiness.

With just over 2,000 kids in the entire student body, Langley High School maintains all the advantages of a much larger school without losing that small-town feel. 

A student-teacher ratio of seventeen to one keeps class sizes low, ensuring every student can feel both seen and heard.  

McLean High School (McLean, Virginia)

To date, McLean High School celebrates an astonishingly high graduation rate of ninety-nine percent. This is partly due to their philosophy of keeping learning fun and engaging. 

The administration at McLean takes pride in celebrating all facets of student life, including the arts programs. 

In the most recent theater season, the theater team taking home many coveted prizes, including Best Play, Best Sound, and Best Hair/Makeup. 

A recent parental survey revealed that this group was not the only one who felt the warmth and welcome of this school. 

Eighty-six percent of parents reported that they felt this school welcomed families of all backgrounds and cultures. 

No matter the child, no matter their interests, McLean High School goes above and beyond in helping them feel encouraged, accepted, and appreciated.

Open High School (Richmond, Virginia)

After being established in 1972 as an alternative public school, Open High School has gone on to grow in name and reputation. 

Currently, it stands as the number four school in the state of Virginia according to US News, where it celebrates an astonishing 100% graduation rate. 

This may be a young school, but it has already celebrated several renowned alumni, all of whom point to this institution as a role in their success. 

Anne Holton, the secretary of education over the state of Virginia, first walked these halls as a young girl before moving on to even greater educational success. 

Other alumni include rock star Aimee Mann and Noah Scalin, a contemporary artist. 

In a big city, Open High School offers a public school experience with the intimate feel of a private school. With around 200 students, this high school keeps class sizes as small as possible, urging students to work collaboratively as they build towards their future college educations.

This school believes that students should be encouraged as self-directed, independent learners and thinkers. 

Oakton High School (Vienna, Virginia)

Oakton high school is more than just the number six high school in the state of Virginia; it is part of a home, where the staff goes above and beyond to share their love with the community. 

To show their support for the student body and the surrounding community, Oakton High School maintains The Oakton Pantry. Here, anyone in need can find free and nonjudgemental access to food, hygiene items, or even household cleaning supplies. 

This high school stands proudly for its community in Vienna, Virginia and is dedicated to making this an even better place to raise a family.

Recently, Vienna was announced as one of the safest cities in Virginia and the country. 

W.T. Woodson High School (Fairfax, Virginia)

W.T. Woodson High School did not earn its place on the top ten list by accident; it did so through significant efforts toward college readiness and to cement its importance in the heart of its community.

The school leadership goes above and beyond in communicating with parents, publishing a weekly newsletter detailing the needs and wins of their student body. Here, parents can easily learn about the dozens of activities and events this high school hosts.  

The College and Career Readiness Center stays packed with activities, keeping students up to date on every possible scholarship and deadline as they build toward their college careers. 

This school continues to build up the community at night by hosting night classes for adult learners. 

Richmond Community High School (Richmond, Virginia)

Richmond Community High School strives towards promoting a community where every student has the tools they need to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue. In addition to offering the typical athletic opportunities, they also schedule time into the day for biweekly club periods. 

During this time, students are encouraged to participate in any of the dozens of clubs on campus: poetry, robotics, debate, fitness, yearbook, or wherever their interests may carry them! 

This support only goes with success. For years, Richmond students have chased their dreams at various colleges all over the country. 

One such student, TK Johnson of the class of 2018, chased her passions to the Berklee College of Music. 

Since receiving her diploma there, she has been busy touring the world, performing on television, and otherwise living the life she first dreamt of as a student at Richmond Community High School. 

West Springfield High School (Springfield, Virginia)

From the arts to crafts, West Springfield High School makes sure that every student feels the support they need to succeed.

Students interested in pursuing a career in the arts– either through drawing or writing– will be excited by the opportunity to be published in The Symposium, this school’s exclusive, award-winning literary magazine.

By offering students the chance to submit their work for possible publication, West Springfield High School gives them a chance to experience a sample of what they can look forwards to in a college setting.

Alternatively, it also goes the extra mile to support students who hope to enter trade school or join the vital American workforce after graduation. 

West Springfield High School invites alumni who have previously undertaken the challenges of trade school to come back and share with first-year classes how they went about the process of achieving this level of certification. 

Sources:

• US News and World Report
• Public School Review
• InsideNova

The post The 10 Best High Schools in Virginia appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Exciting curriculum features from some of the best high schools in Florida include international student exchange programs, internships with community partners, and cutting-edge facilities for STEM and performing arts programs.

The list of Florida’s best high schools includes varied school schedules, ranging from 41 to 90 minutes per block. 

Some offer semester-long, year-long, or a combination of semester- and year-long courses, in addition to mini-courses, capstone experiences, and breaks in the calendar reserved for exploring personal passions.

Students attending the best high schools in Florida can anticipate richly diverse populations, where students engage in Socratic discussions, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary approaches to their education.

All the schools in this list were chosen from high school rankings posted by major publications like U.S. News and Niche. 

Here are ten of the best high schools in Florida.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts (West Palm Beach, FL)

Enrolling 1,385 public magnet school students in grades 9-12, Dreyfoos is dedicated to providing exceptional arts-centric education in dance, fine art, music, theatre, and digital media. 

The school is named for inventor Alexander W. Dreyfoos, whose $1 million donation to support Palm Beach County’s public magnet school was the largest private donation ever given to a Florida public school.

In addition to an immersive arts education, Dreyfoos scholars receive top-notch instruction in STEM and AP courses. 

In fact, the school offers more AP and AICE courses than any other school in its district. Students also have the opportunity to earn dual credit at Florida Atlantic University, UF Online, or Palm Beach State College. 

Exciting STEM opportunities exist at places like the Scripps Research Institute of Florida and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience.

Admission is highly competitive, and auditions are held every winter. Only 37% of over 1,300 applicants are accepted annually, and if the number of eligible candidates exceeds the number of open spots, the school district will base admission on a random lottery system.

Berkeley Preparatory School (Tampa, FL)

Berkeley Prep is an independent school with an Episcopal affiliation serving 1,409 students in grades PreK through 12. Nearly half of the population makes up the Upper Division (grades 9-12), and it costs $29,390 per year to attend.

One of the school’s recent innovations is its Berkeley Academy, a free program targeting motivated scholars from economically disadvantaged households in the Tampa Bay area. 

Students in grades 7-12 receive mentorship and career guidance services with the goal of preparing them to apply to college. 9th graders receive assistance from a transition counselor and a weekly support program where students discuss soft skills like organization, time management, and asking for help.

The Global Scholars Program is the flagship initiative of Berkeley High School – it includes a three-year elective sequence in which students learn Spanish, French, Chinese, or Latin. 

All students will participate in a school-sponsored exchange program, an international service-learning excursion, or an approved international travel experience.

Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy (Hialeah, FL)

Fondly referred to as JM-MAST, this public magnet school serves students in grades 6-12 and is rated in the top 1% of magnet schools, according to Magnet Schools of America.

The JM-MAST curriculum is defined by its attention to scientific and mathematical research methodologies and applications. 

Students design their own research projects and conduct experiments in on-campus laboratories in one of three areas: natural science, life science, or mathematical/computer science. 

The school is also home to an arboretum with more than 40 trees and plant life species.

All scholars can expect to complete the AP Capstone program by their senior year. 

To get into MAST, students must be able to handle a rigorous course load at the Advanced/Honors level and may not have any Cs or Ds on their existing transcripts. The lottery determines acceptance, and only a limited number of admission notifications are sent.

Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Set upon a 65-acre campus, Pine Crest School is one of the largest independent schools in the United States. 

The school serves 2,688 students aged 4-18 across 50+ buildings, theaters, gyms, and faculty homes. Other campus assets include four swimming pools, facilities for 99 Middle and Upper School athletic teams, and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. 

Tuition ranges from $26,785 to $39,290, depending on the grade level. 

Upper School students attend nine 45-minute periods daily and may enroll in classes like the Social Entrepreneurship Course, a three-year program in which they pursue impactful research projects. 9th-grade students have access to 30+ AP courses, typically reserved for juniors and seniors at other schools.

Pine Crest boasts an in-house broadcasting and print student media outlet where scholars gain experience identifying sources, interviewing subjects, editing stories, and working on self-promotion via personal portfolios.

Stanton College Preparatory School (Jacksonville, FL)

Despite being destroyed, rebuilt, moved, and “curricularly reimagined,” Stanton is the oldest continually-running magnet high school in Florida! 

It also served as the first school for Black youth living in Florida. Today, Stanton enrolls 330 students and offers only honors-level courses, 25 AP courses, 25 IB courses, and eight dual enrollment courses in math, English, social studies, and science.

The Stanton Summer Bridge program is one of the school’s best and newest assets. More than 75% of incoming 9th graders attend this interactive transitional experience, where students meet their teachers and engage in sessions to help prepare them for a successful move to Stanton Prep.

Scholars can participate in a selection of 80+ clubs and organizations, and most students belong to 1-3 groups. 

Students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to remain eligible for club membership. Other opportunities, like the band, give students ample exposure to learn how to play instruments as well as participate in marching band performances and concert recitals.

West Shore Junior/Senior High School (Melbourne, FL)

West Shore is a public middle/high school serving 950 students in grades 7-12. 

The school runs on a Power Hour Schedule, entailing seven 49-minute periods and a “Power Hour/Lunch” period. During this time, students eat and continue their involvement in various clubs or wellness activities. 

All West Shore students are pursuing a Diploma of Distinction, which stipulates 28 college preparatory credits, three credits in the same world language, completion of a senior project, and three areas of acceleration, including Algebra I. 

Unique to its set of graduation requirements is a student service learning component of 25 hours per year and a family commitment for school volunteerism of 20 hours per year per child enrolled. 

All students pursuing the Diploma of Distinction additionally upkeep a post-secondary admissions portfolio and qualify for at least one collegiate scholarship. West Shore is genuinely a school of distinction in that it is the only U.S. secondary school to earn the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award on three separate occasions!

American Heritage School (Plantation, FL)

Recognized throughout the nation as an exceptional college preparatory school, American Heritage boasts the highest number of National Merit Scholars in Florida. 

100% of its graduating cohorts are accepted to post-secondary institutions, some of which are extremely prestigious universities. Tuition begins at $36,900 for high school scholars, and up to $2,000 in fees are added based on the grade level.

AHS students excel in many extracurricular activities. Students from AHS represent the #1 Math Competition Team out of all American private schools and regularly win state competitions in mock trial, moot court, and Model UN.

The school has created six pre-professional programs over the last two decades, focusing on concentrations like business and entrepreneurship, and engineering. 

The business and entrepreneurship pathway culminates in a 12th-grade internship where students go off-campus weekly to engage in marketing, accounting, leadership, and other relevant functions. Often, they’re working alongside CFOs and leaders of large corporations.

Ransom Everglades School (Coconut Grove, FL)

Ransom Everglades is a private school providing a rare learning context adjacent to Biscayne Bay. The campus houses state-of-the-art laboratories, makerspaces, and performing arts facilities for multi-passionate students. 

The freshman advisory program provides 9th graders with connections to two class deans, and the physical education requirement involves learning how to canoe, sail, paddleboard, and navigate using a compass! 

One of the most exciting events at Ransom is the winter 9th-grade trip to the Everglades – students camp for five days and four nights while engaging in character-building exercises. Juniors and seniors with proper training meet monthly with 9th graders to promote health and well-being.

Ransom Everglades’ tuition is $45,810 annually, which includes daily lunch. 

The extensive application process entails an interview, recommendations, standardized test scores, and character skills snapshot, an online assessment designed to convey a more holistic picture of an applicant, their character, and overall growth journey.

Pine View School (Osprey, FL)

Intellectually gifted students in grades 2-12 attend Pine View, and high school students have the option to start as early as 7:21 AM and conclude as early as 1:05 PM. 

The school also distinguishes itself from peer institutions through its array of ungraded classes, “mini-courses,” independent study options, and flexibility in class enrollment. 

For example, many scholars are enrolled in courses that cross grade levels.

Many Pine View students will participate in the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program this year (SSEP), meaning that an experiment they create in a campus lab might find its way to the International Space Station! 

Such experiential learning opportunities are a regular feature of Pine View’s curriculum.

The school is supported by the Pine View Association, an organization that operates a school store, publishes a monthly newsletter, and engages sponsors to fund activities like the Pine View School Read-a-Thon, the annual Pine View Fair, and Pine View Pride, a recognition program for students meeting academic milestones.

School for Advanced Studies (Miami, FL)

The 778 students attending SAS, a public high school, belong to a different echelon of achievers. 

Not only does the school maintain a 100% graduation rate, but 100% of graduates are accepted to a post-secondary institution, and the juniors and seniors attain the highest SAT and ACT composites in Miami-Dade County. 

In fact, members of the most recent graduating class were admitted to all eight Ivy League colleges.

SAS gives scholars a head start on a college degree. 

Most students enroll in at least three dual enrollment courses each semester, earning a minimum of 36 college credits within their first two years! What’s even better? Students receive free tuition, fees, textbooks, and other materials. 

Each year, the SAS application opens up for all current sophomores. Student admission is based on a ranking from a set of requirements, including GPA, attendance, citizenship, and standardized test scores.

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